Category: Newcastle News

A second man has been charged by Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives over an alleged armed robbery near Maitland last year.
Just after 5am on Saturday 22 December 2018, three men – armed with a firearm, samurai sword and baseball bat – forced entry to licenced premises on West Street, Greta, about 20km north west of Maitland.
An employee was allegedly struck with the bat and threatened with the firearm, before the group stole several items, including a mobile phone, laptop and alcohol.
They fled in a utility being driven by a fourth man.
The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Maitland Hospital for treatment of head abrasions, and two broken fingers. He has since been released.
Detectives from the Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Timbrell to investigate the incident.
Following inquiries, a 21-year-old man was charged on Monday 1 April 2019 and remains before the courts.
As a result of further inquiries, a second 21-year-old man, was taken to Lithgow Police Station last Wednesday (24 April 2019), and charged with robbery while armed with dangerous weapon.
The man was refused bail to appear at Lithgow Local Court on the same day, where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at Newcastle Local Court on Monday (29 April 2019).
Investigations under Strike Force Timbrell continue and police are still seeking two men in relation to the incident.

Police are renewing their appeal for assistance in locating a man last seen near Newcastle earlier this year.
Steven Fenwick, aged 33, also known as ‘Feno’, was last seen about 2.30am on Thursday 31 January 2019, when he was walking with a woman near the intersection of Fullerton and Meredith streets, Stockton.
Several land and sea searches were conducted at the time, with some of his personal items located; these are subject to forensic examination.
Detectives from Newcastle City Police District established Strike Force Kummari to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Police hold grave concerns that Steven could be the victim of foul play and the case is now being investigated as a suspected homicide.
Strike Force Kummari is appealing to anyone who may have information about Steven’s disappearance to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Newcastle City Police Station directly on (02) 4929 0999.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

City of Newcastle lifeguards saved more than 100 lives this surf season as soaring temperatures and dry conditions made for one of the busiest years on record, with more than 1.2 million people flocking to City beaches.
CN’s lifeguards have called on the public to exercise caution this weekend, when heavy seas are expected, and after their patrol season finishes on Sunday.
City lifeguard Daniel Collins was involved in a rescue at Merewether Baths in December
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes praised the lifeguard team for their courage and skill in providing the rate-payer funded service that genuinely saves lives.
“Our lifeguards saved more than 100 people in significant rescues this season and effected 15,000 preventative actions,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Protecting tourists and beachgoers from the dangers of the sea is no easy feat, particularly when they’re keeping watch over 1.2 million visitors.
“I’d like to thank all of our lifeguards for the work they do and alert the public to be careful in their absence at some City beaches from Monday.”
City Lifeguard Daniel Collins recalled an incident late last year when he and quick-thinking colleagues rescued a father and his two children from a rip behind Merewether Baths.
“The lifeguard on duty at Merewether Baths raised the alarm to neighbouring beaches, and called for assistance, before entering the water with a rescue tube,” Mr Collins said.
“I responded on a rescue board from Merewether together with Mel Thurlow from Dixon Park, and the jet ski was dispatched from Nobbys Beach to assist.

 “The quick thinking, communication and actions of all lifeguards involved ensured the three family members were returned to shore safely and reunited with their waiting mother and wife.”

CN lifeguards have also administered 2,800 first aid procedures since September, including 80 major cases such as resuscitations, treatment of broken bones and relieving the effects of marine stingers.
Aquatic Services Co-ordinator Donna McGovern, a former Olympic swimmer, said hotter dryer conditions than usual were behind the higher number of rescues and preventative actions.
“The 2018/19 summer season was arguably the busiest season the Beach lifeguard service has experienced due to hot dry conditions and the increased activation of the coast due to the Bathers Way,” McGovern said.
“Lifeguards are extremely proactive when it comes to taking preventative measures. This can include asking surfers to surf outside the flagged area to urging beach goers to swim between the red and yellow flags instead of near dangerous rips.”
When prevention fails, it can often take just split seconds for swimmers to find trouble and the same time for lifeguards to act.
Nobbys, Bar and Merewether Beaches are patrolled all year round. Dixon Park, Newcastle and Stockton offer seasonal services over 30 weeks, starting in the September school holidays.
While April marks the end of the summer patrol season, lifeguards’ community contributions don’t end.
During winter, they move from the beach to Newcastle schools to help deliver the City’s long-running Water Safety Education Program. More than 100,000 students aged five to 13 years have benefited from the 52-year-old Water Safety Education Program, which has just been nominated as a finalist for a Local Government Excellence Award in the Service Delivery Initiative category. 
For a breakdown of rescue and treatment statistics from the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, please see the table below.
Statistic                                                                2017-18                                                               2018-19

The Liberals have shown we can’t risk another term of them in Government, by approving a destructive uranium mine on the eve of an election being called, and trying to hide it.
“The Liberals are trashing the environment behind voters’ backs. They have tried to hide this destructive uranium mine decision from voters. They do not deserve another term of government,” Greens environment spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“Melissa Price as Environment Minister has been an environment wrecker. Days after she signed off on the Adani coal mine, she’s sold out our environment again to her mining mates in WA by approving a uranium mine.
“We need stronger environmental laws enforced by a national Environmental Protection Authority that back nature, our communities and traditional owners who have raised serious concerns and objections to mines such as this. The Western Australian EPA advised against it, yet is powerless to stop it.
“The environment can’t handle another three years of the Liberal Government looking after their mining mates rather than looking after the planet. The Liberals cannot be trusted to put our environment first.
“We need Greens in the Senate to stand up to governments who side with their mining industry mates. We will always fight for restoring and protecting nature over opening up another destructive uranium mine.”

A motorcyclist who died in the Lake Macquarie region has been identified, as inquiries into the incident continue.
Just after 7.30am today (Thursday 25 April 2019), emergency services were alerted after the body of a man, and his motorcycle, were located down an embankment off George Booth Drive at Seahampton.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended and established a crime scene, which continues to be examined by specialist officers.
An investigation into the crash is continuing and police would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed it, or who may be able assist with establishing the rider’s movements.
It’s believed the incident occurred overnight.
The rider has now been identified as a 46-year-old Stockrington man. He was riding a black Harley Davidson cruiser-style motorbike.
Motorists who were travelling in the area overnight are urged to review their dashcam footage and provide any vision of relevance to local police.

An investigation is underway following a fatal motorcycle crash in the Lake Macquarie region this morning.
Just after 7.30am today (Thursday 25 April 2019), police and emergency services were contacted after the body of a man, and his bike were located down an embankment off George Booth Drive, Seahampton.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District attended the location and commenced inquiries.
A crime scene has been established and is being examined by specialist forensic officers.
Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may be able assist with establishing the rider’s movements.
Motorists who were travelling in the area overnight are urged to review their dashcam footage and provide any vision of relevance to local police.
Further information will be made available once the man has been formally identified.

A man has been charged after a police officer was assaulted near Port Stephens overnight.
A Toyota Soarer was pursued for a short distance along Richardson Road at Campvale about 5pm yesterday (Wednesday 24 April 2019), but the pursuit was terminated due to safety concerns.
The same vehicle was seen about 5.30pm in nearby Finnan Park; however, during the driver’s arrest a struggle ensued during which an officer was allegedly struck in the head by a metal torch, knocking him unconscious.
OC spray was deployed and the 24-year-old man was taken into custody by other officers.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with

• Police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly
• Drive while licence cancelled
• Wound police officer executing duty reckless as to actual bodily harm
• Resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty
• Possess prohibited drug (four counts), and
• Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen.

The man, from Waratah, was refused bail to appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 25 April 2019).
The injured officer – a Senior Constable who is attached to Port Stephens-Hunter Police District – was taken to hospital where he’s had a head wound stitched; he was kept under observation until shortly after 11pm when he was allowed to leave.

A man will appear in court next month following the alleged assault of a paramedic in Newcastle yesterday.
About 1.20pm (Monday 22 April 2019), NSW Ambulance paramedics attended a call for assistance from a male patient at a unit on Bull Street, Mayfield.
Two paramedics arrived and assessed a 32-year-old man resulting in the patient being transported to Calvary Hospital, Waratah.
One paramedic was driving the ambulance, the other, a female, was in the back with the patient when he became abusive toward her.
As the driver pulled over on route to the hospital to assist, the patient punched the paramedic in the ribs knocking her over in the back of the ambulance.
She managed to get to her feet and opened the door of the ambulance and get out, the patient following behind her continuing his verbal abuse before walking away.
Both paramedics reported the matter to police from Newcastle City Police District who attended the Bull Street residence that afternoon and arrested the man.
He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with obstruct or hinder ambulance officer by act of violence.
He was given conditional bail and is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 16 May 2019.

Civic Park will feature an illuminated night-time attraction next month thanks to a City of Newcastle project that will see a local technology start-up deliver an interactive light display in the popular CBD park.
The new Luna light display, which will be tested from May 6-10 during the Hunter Innovation Festival, will form part of the “Catapult” trial to harness the potential of start-ups to achieve several strategic Smart City objectives.
Luna’s illuminated night-time display will activate Civic Park after dark
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Newcastle was the perfect testing ground for companies – like Luna – looking to launch ideas in a progressive and emerging Smart City landscape.
“Creative lighting adds a whole new layer of interest to the public domain and we’re delighted to be able to support Luna to test their technology for the first time in a real-world environment,” the Lord Mayor said.
“What is great about Luna is that it allows people to become active participants in the light display, rather than just passive spectators, by giving them the ability to change the colour and intensity of the lights.
“In our increasingly digital age, cities need to look towards new approaches, innovative technologies and smart infrastructure to create an environment that supports economic growth and diversification.
“So, we’ve called upon the visionary ambitions of four very exciting new companies to help achieve that.”
An online mapping platform called Accessibility in the City joins Luna as part of the Catapult trial.
When launched later this year, Accessibility in the City will offer users verified information about where to locate accessible features, such as disabled parking and toilets, and help them navigate busy, cluttered and visually oriented environments.
Accessibility in the City founder Chad Ramage 
Both companies have the capabilities to better understand resource utilisation, and in turn, make improvements to help the City reduce its energy costs.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes welcomed the opportunity for Newcastle to be used as a testing ground.
“The city has been working hard with our stakeholders over a number of years to establish Newcastle and the Hunter as an internationally recognised centre for technology innovation,” Councillor Nelmes said.
“Cities around the world are facing the challenge of improving liveability for their residents while reducing resource consumption, and the companies selected as part of this trial will to help us tackle these challenges head on.
“Our award-winning Smart City Strategy includes clear objectives around making our buildings more energy efficient, around piloting inclusive smart technology to increase equity of access to the city, and around deploying interactive technologies into the public domain to create active and safe places of interest and discovery.
“The Catapult program is one of the many ways that we are delivering on our strategy and our vision to be a smart, liveable and sustainable global city.”
The Catapult program is part of the $13 million Smart Moves Newcastle project, which received $5 million through the Australian Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs program in 2017.